Slow to close running programs on shutdown

[Linz]

Since installing the latest group of Windows XP updates and Office XP & 2003
updates this issue seems to have started. But it could be something else
causing it.

When shutting down or restarting most times after clicking the appropriate
button I get a window with a scrolling bar showing Windows is trying to
close a running program. If the program is successfully shutdown closed
Windows closes ok. At times though while Windows is trying to close the
running program a couple of messages will pop up (dll or module and Windows
failed to close running program). These messages change depending the
running program. Different program each time. When the ok button on each of
these messages is clicked Windows shuts down.Otherwise no other issues.

Just wondering if any others are having the same shutdown issue and what I
could try.

Only option at the moment is removing the latest updates restore back to
before the updates and reinstall one at a time.

Looking for something less time consuming as if there is an update causing
it what can I then do?

Another computer I have (laptop) after installing the same updates has no
such problems.So I'm thinking it may not be the updates.


Both running Windows XP SP2


Linz

 

[John]

When shutting down or restarting most times after clicking the appropriate
button I get a window with a scrolling bar showing Windows is trying to
close a running program.

39. How to improve on shutdown time?
http://www.xptuneup.com/tip0050.htm
Demystifying the Windows Registry
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/Demystifying_the_Windows_Registry-tut74.html
Don't Fear the Registry
http://hacks.oreilly.com/pub/h/658
Windows has a feature that will automatically close those
"non-responsive" program files that you typically have to intervene
with (CTRL + ALT + DELETE style) Close apps automatically & quickly at
shutdown.
Open Registry by going to START-RUN and typing REGEDIT. Navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\CONTROL PANEL\DESKTOP and look for AutoEndTasks.
Default value is 0. Change it to 1.
Close Regedit & Reboot.